Bazaar-o-Rama Week 1

I’ve put on five pounds worth of leftover Tootsie Rolls and it’s dark by 2pm. That can only mean it’s November and time for Bazaar-o-Rama, my annual tour of holiday church bazaars.

CraftsBrian FrancisNovember 10, 2019Bazaars Comments

Best and Worst Pasta Sauce

I’ve been partnered with an Italian for over 23 years. And in those 23 years, I’ve learned there are some things that Italians hold sacred: a clean house, designer sunglasses and disco singing sensation, Raffaella Carrà.

Taste TestsBrian FrancisNovember 4, 2019Food Comments

Thanksgiving Perky Turkey Cut-Up Cake

My mission to single-handedly revive the lost art of cut-up cakes continues. Cut-up cakes are like jigsaw puzzles. Only tastier. To date, I’ve made an airplane, a Santa, a witch and a daisy.

FoodBrian FrancisOctober 9, 2019RecipesComment

Best and Worst Granny Candy

You can count on grannies for a number of things. Showing you how to do the mashed potato dance, for one. Or keeping Glade Plug-In Air Fresheners in business. Or using “dilly-dally,” “horse-feathers” and “nincompoop” in a single sentence.

Taste TestsBrian FrancisAugust 7, 2019Food Comments

Daisy Cut-Up Cake

Some time ago, I was on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, predicting that cut-up party cakes were due for a huge comeback. Cut-up cakes, for anyone born past 1980, were popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

FoodBrian FrancisJuly 3, 2019RecipesComment

Dollar Store Chocolate Bar Taste Test

Who isn’t trying to cut corners these days? But should the line be drawn with chocolate? I picked up six brand name chocolate bars and paired them against their dollar store equivalents.

Taste TestsBrian FrancisMarch 31, 2019Food Comments

Best and Worst Snack Crackers

Let’s face it – snack crackers don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Think about all the times snack crackers have been there for you. While you’re microwaving your dinner. When you come home after too many wine spritzers.

FoodBrian FrancisMarch 17, 2019Taste Tests Comments

My Gingerbread House Obsession

Every Christmas, I take on an ambitious baking project. I tell myself I enjoy doing it, but, by the end of the project, I always wonder if I have some sadomasochist need. This year, I decided to make a gingerbread house.

Food, CraftsBrian FrancisJanuary 2, 2019 Comments

Bazaar-o-Rama 2018 Week 4

Well, here it is. The final week of Bazaar-o-Rama 2018. Pass me a tissue, will you? My only comforts are the treasures I found this past weekend.

Brian FrancisNovember 25, 2018Bazaars Comments

Bazaar-o-Rama 2018 Week 3

We’re knee-deep in bazaar season. What did I score on my third weekend out? The only way you’ll find out is to scroll, my friends. Scroll and be amazed.

Brian FrancisNovember 18, 2018Bazaars Comments

Bazaar-o-Rama 2018 Week 2

I’m back with another exciting round-up. What did I find this week at my church bazaar travels? Check out my loot!

Brian FrancisNovember 11, 2018BazaarsComment

Bazaar-o-Rama 2018 Week 1

Bazaar-o-Rama is back for another titillating edition! Every November, I scour church Christmas bazaars in search of the weird and wonderful and share all my treasures with you, dear reader.

Brian FrancisNovember 4, 2018Bazaars Comments